Political events and boycotts are almost as much of an Olympic tradition as the torch is in the Opening Ceremony. Since 1956 various countries have boycotted at least six Games, but their lasting impact was minimal, at least in international diplomatic circles.

Perhaps the most fitting way to honor the slain athletes from the 1972 Games would be for the present day Israeli team to offer a simple gesture: Their own moment of silence at the Opening Ceremony? Wear memorial emblems on their uniforms? Or have relatives of those killed 40 years attend the London Games?

To pretend that the Olympic Games are non-political is disingenuous and cowardly. Yet Jacques Rogge, the IOC president, uses that excuse when explaining why one minute of Friday's opening ceremony can't be set aside to remember the 1972 tragedy.

Which means Rogge should be ousted today. He has no idea what he is doing.

Sports can establish common ground, where even athletes from countries that have feuded with Israel can reflect upon the tragedy of lost lives.

Besides, the revelry of the ceremony — sure to be over the top — only has meaning because of the world harmony it aspires to. There is no better time to recall the troubles we have known.